hereinafter

Hereinafter is an adverb used primarily in legal and other formal documents to indicate that a term or designation will apply from that point onward within the text. It is commonly placed after the initial identification of a party, term, or concept, and is followed by a defined label, such as "hereinafter referred to as the Company" or "hereinafter the Parties." The purpose is to allow a concise reference later in the document without repeating the full description.

Etymology and usage context: The word combines "here" with "inafter" (meaning after this point or subsequently). It is found in English legal drafting dating from early modern usage and remains common in contracts, deeds, statutes, and court filings, though less frequent in everyday prose.

Usage notes: Use sparingly and define the term clearly. If you introduce a defined term with hereinafter, maintain consistency by referring to the defined term thereafter. Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the defined term is unambiguous and specific. Note that "hereinafter" is sometimes perceived as archaic in contemporary nonlegal writing and may be replaced by phrases like "referred to as" or "defined as." Also differentiate from "heretofore" (earlier) and "hereafter" (in the future or in subsequent provisions).

Examples: "This Agreement is made between Alpha Corp., hereinafter referred to as 'the Company'." "The Client shall pay the Fees, hereinafter defined as 'Fees'." "The Goods shall be delivered by the Supplier to the Purchaser, hereinafter the 'Seller'."